War Crime: US confirms use of depleted uranium in Syria

The U.S. used thousands of depleted uranium rounds in two 2015 air raids in Syria, Central Command confirmed on Tuesday.

The controversial munition had not been used by the U.S. since the occupation of Iraq where it has continued to illicit claims of lingering health effects, particularly in Fallujah where U.S. forces fought intense close-quarters battles with insurgents.

The Syria air raids, carried out in mid and late November 2015, targeted oil convoys in ISIL-held territory near al-Hassakah, and Deir Ez-Zour. Four A-10 warthog fixed-wing aircraft were used, ultimately resulting in the destruction of over 330 vehicles.

“The combination of Armored Piercing Incendiary (DU) rounds mixed with High Explosive Incendiary rounds was used to ensure a higher probability of destruction of the truck fleet ISIL was using to transport its illicit oil,” spokesman Maj. Josh T. Jacques said in a statement.

In all, the A-10s fired 5,265 30-millimeter depleted uranium rounds, Jacques said, nothing that the “decision was made to use the rounds.”

“Targets and the weapons used against those targets are chosen to ensure they adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict principles of military necessity, distinction and proportionality. The decision is made during operational planning for best weapon against each target,” he said.

The comments are the first confirmation that the U.S.-led coalition used depleted uranium to attack ISIL targets in the ongoing campaign. Earlier statements maintained that the coalition would not do so.

Depleted uranium rounds are not explicitly illegal under international law, but concerns have mounted about the long-term health effects that may result in areas where they are used.

{p}Ian Greenhalgh is a photographer and historian with a particular interest in military history and the real causes of conflicts.{/p}{p}His studies in history and background in the media industry have given him a keen insight into the use of mass media as a creator of conflict in the modern world.{/p}{p}His favored areas of study include state sponsored terrorism, media manufactured reality and the role of intelligence services in manipulation of populations and the perception of events.{/p}

8 COMMENTS

“Targets and the weapons used against those targets are chosen to ensure they adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict principles of military necessity, distinction and proportionality. ”

As if the USG has cares about the law of armed conflict. Under whose authority is the US operating in Syria? Their presence in Syria is a direct violation of Syrian sovereignty. Not only is the USG violating international law by operating in Syria, they are using depleted uranium ammunition there too? Heartless, motherless dirtbags.

These munitions need to be totally outlawed. There is no good reason for the use of depleted munitions, furthermore they are just as toxic to the troops that use them as they are to its victims. In truth both the Syrian people and U.S. troops are victimized by the use of these munitions. The proof of it is in the illnesses of the people of Fallujah, Baghdad and of the U.S. veterans of both wars. Not to mention the long lasting lingering effects that get passed own to the next generation, quite possible causing DNA damage. Depleted uranium munitions need to be outlawed now and forever. Nuclear weapons need to be outlawed now and forever.

A war crime is that which is committed by the enemy, and with the defeat of that enemy , can be prosecuted. It is not a war crime f the victors commit the same offenses or even worse. Hitler’s officers were hung for war crimes but Eisenhower, Churchill and Bomber Harris were considered heroes. Saddam Hussein was a war criminal for “gassing the Kurds”, but Mad Dawg Mattis is a hero for murdering thousands of innocent men, women and children. Assad is a criminal for defending Syria but Netenyahu is a hero for butchering Palestinians and stealing their land. George Orwell is spinning in his grave. It’s all a matter of semantics and who commits those crimes.

inexcusable …..”This is while the US military had vowed not to use depleted uranium weapons on the battlefield in Iraq and Syria. John Moore, the spokesman of the US-led coalition.. said in March 2015, “US and coalition aircraft have not been and will not be using depleted uranium munitions in Iraq or Syria during Operation Inherent Resolve.” According to weapons experts, the use of depleted uranium is a war crime, a crime against humanity, and an act of genocide, because the civilian population’s exposure to depleted uranium causes genetic damage, birth defects, cancer, immune system damage, and other serious health problems”.http://presstv.ir/Detail/2017/02/15/510642/US-used-genocidal-DU-weaponry-Syria